Are you glancing at that gleaming new Instant Pot you unwrapped recently, feeling a mix of excitement and bewilderment? Take heart! The secret to unlocking the magic of pressure cooking isn’t hidden in some mystical culinary realm; it’s all about having the right recipes up your sleeve.
As someone who has spent many an evening experimenting with my own beloved Instant Pot, I’m excited to guide you through a collection of 50 easy-to-follow recipes that’ll turn mealtime prep from a daunting chore into a swift breeze—without skimping on taste or wholesomeness.
Embarking on this flavorful journey will showcase just how versatile your shiny kitchen ally can be. From velvety potato soup that soothes the soul on a dreary Monday to brisket so tender by Friday night it falls apart at the mere nudge of a fork, these accessible recipes are designed for anyone eager to create mouthwatering meals at home.
They’re proof positive that armed with straightforward ingredients and crystal-clear directions, even first-time cooks can serve up swoon-worthy suppers. Your Instant Pot is set to become more than just an appliance—it’ll be an indispensable partner in your culinary quests.
So strap on your apron and prepare yourself for delectable simplicity—one pressurized potful at a time.
Key Takeaways
- The Instant Pot is a multi – use gadget that can function as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. It’s good for making meals quickly.
- Beginners can easily cook dishes like Instant Pot Chicken & Rice, Potato Soup, Pork Tenderloin, Chicken Noodle Soup, Jambalaya, Bourbon Chicken, Risotto Butter Chicken French Toast Chili Sweet & Spicy Brisket Street Corn Queso Brownies Beef Stew in the Instant Pot.
- Some useful accessories for the Instant Pot include a 7-inch springform pan for baking cheesecakes and other dishes; extra silicone rings to keep flavors from mixing; and a glass lid to monitor cooking without releasing steam.
- Avoid cooking certain foods in an Instant Pot such as deep – fried items or delicate seafood because it can mess up their texture and taste. Also avoid using thickening agents early on or trying to preserve food with your pot.
- Cooking with an Instant Pot adds convenience and flavor to meals. These 50 simple recipes provide options for any beginner looking to make delicious food at home.
What is an Instant Pot?
Now that you’re curious about the endless possibilities with pressure cooking, let’s dive into what an Instant Pot really is. An Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen gadget that works magic in the kitchen.
It’s a multi-cooker that combines several appliances into one. It can function as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more! The beauty of this device lies in its ability to cook meals quickly while locking in flavor.
Imagine making tender brisket or creamy risotto without spending hours over the stove. That’s what an Instant Pot does for you. Thanks to its “dump and go” feature, meal prep becomes a breeze.
You simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let it do its thing. With easy-to-follow recipes and helpful videos available at your fingertips, whipping up delicious dinners has never been simpler or quicker.
Whether you’re craving vegetarian dishes or hearty meat feasts like beef stew and butter chicken — the Instant Pot delivers mouthwatering results every time.
Top 50 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners:
Ready to step up your instant pot game? Check out these top 50 easy instant pot recipes for beginners. From chicken and rice to French toast, there’s something for everyone!
Instant Pot Chicken & Rice
I love making Instant Pot Chicken & Rice because it’s a quick and comforting meal. It only takes about 20 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot, which is perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe usually includes boneless chicken thighs or breasts, rice, broth, onions, garlic, and some of your favorite seasonings like thyme or paprika.
Once the ingredients are in the pot, I set it to high pressure and let it cook for about 10 minutes before doing a natural release. In no time at all, you have a hearty and flavorful dish ready to serve.
The best part? You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition. This is definitely one of my go-to Instant Pot meals when I want something satisfying yet uncomplicated.
Instant Pot Potato Soup
Moving from creating Instant Pot Chicken & Rice to a comforting bowl of Instant Pot Potato Soup is a seamless transition. This creamy and flavorful soup comes together effortlessly in the Instant Pot.
With simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, garlic, broth, and seasonings, I can whip up this hearty soup in no time – perfect for those chilly evenings or when I need a quick meal option.
The combination of tender potatoes and savory flavors makes this soup an instant hit at my table. Whether it’s part of my weekly meal rotation or a last-minute dinner decision, this recipe always delivers on taste and convenience.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With the Instant Pot, you can achieve succulent and flavorful pork tenderloin in just a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.
Simply season the pork, sear it to lock in those tasty juices, then pressure cook it with your favorite herbs and spices. In no time, you’ll have a mouthwatering pork dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
The Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin recipe provides an excellent opportunity to explore the versatility of this kitchen appliance. The pressure-cooking function ensures that the meat stays juicy while infusing all those delicious flavors.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
I love making Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s a simple and comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. With just a few basic ingredients like chicken, vegetables, noodles, and broth, this recipe comes together in no time.
Plus, using the Instant Pot makes it even easier to have a warm bowl of soup ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
The best part about making Chicken Noodle Soup in the Instant Pot is that you can customize it with your favorite ingredients like seasoning herbs or adding some extra veggies for more flavor and nutrition.
This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeling under the weather. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to using pressure cookers, this recipe is a must-try! Now let’s move on to our next delicious dish.
Instant Pot Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a one-pot wonder that’s bursting with Cajun flavors. It usually includes sausage, chicken, and shrimp, combined with rice, tomatoes, and the perfect blend of spices. Making it in the Instant Pot not only saves time but also infuses every ingredient with rich flavor.
The pressure cooking function ensures that the meat is perfectly tender while allowing all the spices to meld together for an authentic taste experience. This dish is ideal for those craving a taste of Louisiana cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen.
Next up – Instant Pot Copycat Bourbon Chicken
Instant Pot Copycat Bourbon Chicken
Recreating the popular Bourbon Chicken in the Instant Pot is a breeze. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory bourbon sauce, ideal for dinner any night of the week.
With minimal effort, create this delectable meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Instant Pot Risotto
Now, let’s whip up some creamy and flavorful Instant Pot Risotto. This dish is perfect for a date night at home or even a cozy family dinner. With the Instant Pot, you can achieve that rich, comforting texture without constant stirring.
The combination of arborio rice, broth, and seasonings creates a delectable risotto that pairs perfectly with your favorite proteins or veggies.
To make this delightful dish in the Instant Pot, simply follow an easy recipe featuring step-by-step instructions and handy tips for beginners. The result will be a restaurant-quality meal from your own kitchen – creamy, satisfying risotto ready to impress your taste buds!
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
One of my favorite Instant Pot recipes is Butter Chicken. It’s a creamy, flavorful Indian dish that’s so easy to make in the Instant Pot. With tender pieces of chicken, a rich tomato-based sauce, and warm spices like garam masala and turmeric, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.
To make Butter Chicken in the Instant Pot, simply sauté the aromatics, add the chicken and sauce ingredients, lock the lid in place, set the pressure cooking time, and let it do its magic! In no time, you’ll have a delicious homemade Butter Chicken ready to be enjoyed.
Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or looking for an easy dinner idea with bold flavors – this recipe won’t disappoint!
Instant Pot French Toast
French toast in the Instant Pot is an easy and delicious breakfast idea. With minimal effort, you can create a satisfying morning meal with this pressure cooker recipe. Using simple ingredients like bread, eggs, milk, and cinnamon, you can make a flavorful French toast right in your Instant Pot.
Instant Pot French Toast is perfect for busy mornings or when you want to serve a comforting brunch without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish highlights the convenience of the Instant Pot as it allows for hands-off cooking while still delivering great taste.
It’s a fantastic way to start your day with minimal preparation needed.
Instant Pot Chili
I love making Instant Pot chili because it’s quick, easy, and always turns out delicious. With the “dump and go” method, I can throw in the ingredients like ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, set the timer, and let it cook without any hassle.
The pressure cooking function infuses all the flavors together in under an hour for a warm and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you can customize it by adding extra spice or different types of beans to suit your taste.
The Instant Pot offers a convenient way to make classic chili with minimal effort while still delivering great flavor. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt to create your own signature dish — whether you prefer it spicy or mild.
Instant Pot Sweet & Spicy Brisket
This Instant Pot sweet and spicy brisket is a delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It combines tender beef with a flavorful and tangy sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.
The Instant Pot makes the cooking process quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy this delectable brisket in no time. With minimal effort, you can savor the rich flavors of this dish, making it an ideal addition to your meal rotation.
This recipe is one of the best Instant Pot offerings for those looking to impress their loved ones with a delightful culinary creation.
The sweet and spicy brisket created in the Instant Pot provides home cooks with an opportunity to explore new flavors while mastering their pressure cooking skills. Whether preparing this dish for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it brings together convenience and gourmet taste seamlessly.
Instant Pot Street Corn Queso
I love making Instant Pot Street Corn Queso. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of queso with the smoky and savory flavors of Mexican street corn. I can easily throw in some corn kernels, onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, and spices into my Instant Pot along with creamy cheese to create this delicious appetizer or side dish.
One of the best things about making Street Corn Queso in an Instant Pot is that it only takes a few minutes under pressure for the flavors to meld together perfectly, giving me a rich and indulgent dip that everyone enjoys.
Plus, it’s great for parties or gatherings as it’s always a hit among friends and family!
Instant Pot Brownies
Making Instant Pot brownies is quick and hassle-free. With simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs, you can create a decadent dessert in no time. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function ensures moist and fudgy brownies every time.
Plus, the “dump and go” nature of this recipe makes it a perfect treat for any occasion without much effort.
For extra gooeyness, add some chocolate chips to the batter before pouring it into the prepared pan. Once cooked in the Instant Pot and cooled down, these irresistible brownies are ready to be devoured by friends and family alike.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Moving from rich and decadent Instant Pot brownies to a hearty and comforting dish, let’s talk about Instant Pot beef stew. This classic recipe is reinvented with the convenience of pressure cooking.
It’s a one-pot meal bursting with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and savory flavors.
Create a delicious and satisfying meal in no time by utilizing the Instant Pot’s ability to tenderize tough cuts of meat quickly. With simple ingredients like beef chuck, broth, vegetables, and seasonings, you’ll have a warm bowl of homemade comfort food ready in under an hour.
One-Hour Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Sides
I love creating delicious and easy Thanksgiving sides using a sheet pan because it simplifies the cooking process. Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper takes only one hour in the oven.
This method is perfect for busy holiday preparations and adds a delightful depth of flavor to your meal. The minimal effort results in scrumptious dishes that will impress your family and guests without keeping you tied to the kitchen for hours.
Sheet pan Thanksgiving sides are a game-changer for holiday meals; they allow for multiple dishes to cook simultaneously while freeing up precious stovetop or oven space. No-fuss roasted veggies or even classics like stuffing can be cooked with ease on a single sheet pan, leaving you more time to enjoy the company around your table.
The Best Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish made with just a few ingredients: potatoes, butter, and milk. Instant Pot mashed potatoes are creamy and flavorful, thanks to the pressure cooking process that locks in moisture.
Peel and chop the potatoes, then pressure cook them for 8 minutes before adding butter, milk, salt, and pepper for an irresistibly smooth texture. This simple recipe is perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for making mashed potatoes – it cuts down on prep time and keeps the flavor locked in without getting waterlogged. The result is fluffy mashed potatoes without much effort! Whether you’re serving them with roast chicken or enjoying them on their own as comfort food, these Instant Pot mashed potatoes will become a staple in your meal rotation – they’re quick to make and packed with flavor.
Favorite Accessories for the Instant Pot:
When it comes to making the most out of your Instant Pot, having the right accessories can make a big difference. From a 7-inch springform pan for baking to extra silicone rings for easy clean-up, these accessories will take your pressure cooking game to the next level.
And don’t forget about the glass Instant Pot lid that lets you see what’s going on inside while cooking!
7-Inch Springform Pan
A 7-inch springform pan is a versatile accessory for your Instant Pot. It’s perfect for making cheesecakes, lasagnas, and other delicious desserts and savory dishes. The springform design makes it easy to release delicate foods without damaging their shape.
The 7-inch springform pan allows you to expand your cooking repertoire in the Instant Pot, offering more variety in the types of recipes you can prepare. Its compact size is also ideal for smaller households or when you want to make individual portions of certain dishes.
Extra Silicone Rings
I always keep some extra silicone rings for my Instant Pot. They are handy for preventing odors from lingering in your pressure cooker and also help to keep flavors separate when cooking different recipes.
Silicone rings are great replacements if the original seal starts to wear out, ensuring a tight seal for efficient cooking. With extra silicone rings, you can have peace of mind and be ready for any culinary adventure with your Instant Pot.
Silicone rings prevent odor retention, maintain flavor separation, and offer reliable replacement seals. Always having an extra set on hand will ensure seamless and flavorful cooking experiences with your Instant Pot.
Glass Instant Pot Lid
I love using a glass instant pot lid as an accessory. It’s perfect for checking on the progress of your meal without releasing steam. The clear design lets me see inside without lifting the lid, which helps to maintain the pressure and heat for efficient cooking.
Plus, it’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, making it a convenient addition to my Instant Pot accessories collection.
The glass instant pot lid is particularly handy when I want to use my Instant Pot for slow cooking or sautéing. It keeps the food covered while allowing me to monitor its progress, ensuring that everything cooks just right.
What Should You Not Cook in an Instant Pot?
Avoid cooking foods like deep-fried dishes, delicate seafood, and crispy breaded meats in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking environment can compromise the texture and taste of these types of food.
Also, steer clear of using thickening agents like flour or cornstarch at the beginning of a recipe, as they can cause scorching on the pot’s bottom. Additionally, steer away from canning or preserving foods in an Instant Pot due to safety concerns about reaching and maintaining proper temperatures.
Steer clear from trying to cook with large cuts of meat that require slow braising or smoking for optimal flavor and tenderness; the pressure cooker lacks this ability. Moreover, avoid dairy products such as cheese or milk before prolonged high heat exposure – it may curdle easily under pressure.
Lastly, refrain from adding alcohol directly into your Instant Pot before cooking begins; it may not evaporate entirely during the process since there’s no way for vapor to escape while under pressure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Instant Pot is a versatile cooking tool with endless possibilities. With these 50 easy recipes for beginners, you can enjoy practical and efficient meal preparation.
How will you apply these strategies to create delicious meals in your own kitchen? Embrace the impact of simple yet flavorful dishes on your daily routine. Explore further resources or experiment with your culinary creativity to elevate your cooking experience.
Let’s inspire each other to make every meal a delightful experience!
FAQs
1. What kind of meals can beginners make with an Instant Pot pressure cooker?
Beginners can cook a wide range of easy recipes in an Instant Pot, including quick dinners, healthy meals, and vegetarian dishes.
2. Can you make quick meals in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can prepare quick and easy pressure cooker meals that are perfect for busy nights using your Instant Pot.
3. Are there healthy options to cook in a pressure cooker?
Absolutely! An electric pressure cooker helps you create healthy pressure cooker recipes like chicken dishes and vegetarian options.
4. Is it possible to prepare dinner for the whole family with an Instant Pot?
Of course! The Instant Pot is great for cooking up simple one-pot pressure cooker meals that the entire family can enjoy together.
5. What are some meal ideas I could try as a beginner with my new Instant Pot?
You have lots of choices! Try starting with some beginner-friendly pressure cooker recipes such as soups, stews or even a delicious chicken dish from our list of 50 easy recipes.
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